The strength of an acid depends on its tendency to

Options

A. Accept protons
B. Donate protons
C. Accept electrons
D. Donate electrons

Answer

To determine the strength of an acid and the factors that influence it, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Acid Strength**: The strength of an acid is defined by its ability to donate protons (H⁺ ions) in a solution. The more protons an acid can donate, the stronger it is considered to be.

2. **General Formula of an Acid**: Acids can be represented by the general formula HA, where H is the hydrogen ion (proton) that can be released, and A is the anion that remains after the proton is lost.

3. **Dissociation of Acids**: When an acid dissociates in water, it releases H⁺ ions and A⁻ ions. The reaction can be represented as:
\[ HA \rightarrow H^+ + A^- \]
The extent to which this reaction occurs determines the strength of the acid.

4. **Proton Donation**: The strength of the acid is directly proportional to the number of H⁺ ions it can release. Therefore, a strong acid will dissociate completely in solution, producing a high concentration of H⁺ ions.

5. **Comparison with Bases**: While acids donate protons, bases accept protons. The ability to accept protons is not a characteristic of acids, so it does not contribute to acid strength.

6. **Conclusion**: The strength of an acid depends primarily on its tendency to donate protons (H⁺ ions). Thus, the correct statement is that the strength of an acid depends on its tendency to donate protons.

### Final Answer:
The strength of an acid depends on its tendency to donate protons (H⁺ ions).

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